What should I keep in mind when driving pins so wood doesn't pop out on the other side?
Do not treat a pin like a nail. If it is not going in, stop and figure out why rather than continuing to hammer, since pins can create their own hole if forced. Make sure everything, such as a ramrod pipe, is fully seated before driving a pin, since an unseated part can steer the pin off course, and it helps to round the ends of pins with a slight lead so the corners are not sharp. When finishing, avoid letting finish clog the pin holes, and if pins end up too tight, chuck the pin in a cordless drill and polish it down slightly with fine sandpaper.